Brake block cutter



Jam 12, 1954 J. NOALL BRAKE BLOCK CUTTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 9, 1952 INVENTOR. JUHN NGALL BY w yflmw z ATTGRNEYQP' Jan 12, 1954 J. NOALL BRAKE BLOCK CUTTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 9, 1952 JOHN NOALL v mm ATTORNEYS Jan.12,1954 J NOALL BRAKE BLOCK CUTTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 9, 1952 IL P l I I I l I ll Llllll Illlllll INVENTOR.

. JOHN NOALL BY I {2 7 WW /7v ATTORNEYS 1954 J. NOALL BRAKE BLOCK CUTTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 9, 1952 INVENTOR. JOHN NOALL qoz g wmm ATTORNEYS Jane 12, 1954 J. NOALL 2,665,527

BRAKE BLOCK CUTTER Filed June 9, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 JOHN NOALL ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 12, 1954 2,665,527 BRAKE BLOCK CUTTER John Noall, Akron, Ohio, assignor to The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application June 9, 1952, Serial No. 292,501

2 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a cutting machine. and in particular to a machine for gang-cutting a length of material having the form of a segment of a cylinder. The machine shown and described above is specially designed for cutting segmented blocks of brake lining, but the invention is not limited to this particular field, because the principles thereof may be ap lied to other analogous purposes.

Heretofore, such cutting has been done with an individual saw, such as a band saw or circular saw. Due to the arcuate form of the work, and its length, this process has been laborious and timeconsuming, and the finished work has not been consistent or reliable as to dimensions.

By the present invention, the said dilficulties have been obviated by a cylindrical or drum form feeder, having a plurality of clamping stations which automatically pick up and clamp the arcuate workpiece, pass it through a gang-cutter, and release the cut pieces.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved cutting means for subdividing work pieces. More particularly, it is an object to provide a drum-form feed for a cutter for subdividing workpieces which is automatic and continuous in operation. In still greater particularity, it is an object to provide a drum-form feed for a cutting machine which automatically clamps and unclamps the workpieces. Yet another object is to provide a drum-form feed for gang-cutters having clamps with clearance means for the cutters. A related object is to provide a pick-up station for workpieces which station affords clearance for work-clamping means.

These and other ends are attained by the invention, a preferred form of which is described in the following specification and illustrated in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the machine, partly in section,

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view taken from the right of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view taken from the left of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of elements located centrally of Fig. 1, enlarged and partly in section,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the feed drum unit located at the lower, left corner of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a front portion of Fig. 1, taken along the line 6-6 therein.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference, there is shown generally at In in Figs. 1 and 3 a base member supporting the entire machine. A pair of sturdy, rectangular uprights l I, I2 of hollow construction mounted on the base I0, and joined at their upper ends by a spanning plate [3 with a reinforcing flange l4, provide support for the saw system and the two motors employed.

The sawing or cutting unit is mounted on a rotating shaft [6 having a reduced end I! journaled in a bearing block [8. The latter is an integral part of a casting l9 spanning the machine framework and having depending end portions 2i, 22, the former of which carries the bearing block l8. A belt and pulley arrangement, indicated generally by the numeral 23, communicates rotation to the saw shaft 16 from a motor 24, bolted to the top plate l3.

The cutting discs 26, of carborundum or the like, in any desired number, are keyed to shaft [6 and are located in proper spaced position along the shafts by a plurality of collars such as the collar indicated by the numeral 21, the assembly being held by lock nuts 25. In Fig. 1 the full complement of collars is not employed, and a spacer sleeve 21a transmits pressure from the lock nuts to the assembly. In the operation of the machine the arrangement of the cutting discs will be varied, to suit different forms of workpieces operated on, and to this end the journal support for the right end (Fig. 1) of shaft I6 is arranged for movement axially away from the shaft so that the discs and collars may be removed and replaced. Thus the right end journal 28 for the right end 29 of shaft [6 is carried as an integral part of a carriage 3| having a dovetail channel slidably mounted on a complementary dovetail rib 32 (Fig. 2) formed on the casting IS. A screw 33 has outboard bearing in a web 34 integral with casting I9 and spanning a channel 35 in the casting at the end thereof, and is anchored by a collar 36 on its inner side and a pinion 31 on its outer side. A handwheel 38, rotatably carried on a stud 40 in the end of casting I9 carries a gear 39 meshing with pinion 31 whereby screw 33 is rotated upon rotation of the handwheel. This rotation is converted into sliding motion of carriage 3| by means of a nut comprising a bar 4| inserted in an opening 42 in the face of the carriage and into channel 35 of casting l9, and having a threaded transverse bore 43 receiving the screw 33. v

The journal 28 houses a conventional anti-friction bearing 44 having a sleeve associated with the inner race, and said sleeve having pins for interengagement with a pair of oppositely disposed keyways 46 on the end 29 of shaft IS.

The feeding drum, indicated as a whole by the numeral 5|- is supported adjacent the cutting discs on a table 52 (Fig. 3) having outer legs 53 which are bolted to base i 0, the table being bolted on its rear side to uprights i l, I 2. Drum 5| is carried on a shaft 54 (Fig. 4) journaled on either side of the drum in roller bearing units 56 supported on uprights 51 bolted to table 52. An auxiliary upright 58 (Fig. 1) supports an extension of shaft 54, and the latter is connected to a speed reducer 59 through a coupling Bl. As seen in Fig. 3, speed reducer 59 is connected by a coupling 62 to a motor 63 supported on a bracket 64 bolted to upright I l. Thus, rotation of motor63 causes low speed rotation of shaft 54 and feed"- ing drum 5 I to the cutting discs. i i

Referring to the feeding drum in particular, it will be seen from Figs; 4 and 5 that the same To accomplish this, the drum has three-clamping stations in peripherally spaced relation, each station having a stationary clamp and amoyable Since the ,three clamping structuresare identical, .on'ly' oneneed be described, and for this purposareference is had to theclamping structurerat the'loading position to theleit ofPig. 5,

wherein the workpiece is indicated by the 'numeral 1 I. I

{The stationary clamp 12 comprises a ,plate .with shouldered ends'lii received .in radialnotches Jnitheperipheries of .discs. 55., and secured 'there in i ybolts '15,, the arrangement being such that about .half .of plate [2 .lies radially outwardly of theperipheries of ithe discs. In this outward per tion, platen .is provided with a series of radial notches, one of which .is indicated .by the .numera'l '11 (Fig. v4),, which notches provide clear- ;anceior cuttingdiscsifi in the rotation of the feed drum. It will be understood that plates such e812 may be ,providedhaving various notch patterns .to correspond with -the particular spacing arrangement of cutting discs employed.

.The outwardly extendingsections of plate 12 between notches 11 are provided with aligned ,channels '18 .for receiving .the bottom edge of workpiece ll. 'In order ,to avoid injury to the workpiece and. allow for irregularities thereof, :a

ibu'fferor cushion is provided in the bottoms .of channels 18, comprising rubber pads such as the pad 19, the pad ibeing vulcanized or riveted to ,ametalplate ".81 securedlbya bolt '821t0 clamp 12,.

Spacing members 83 are provided to ,properly locate the workpiece "H for engagement by the clamps. These members 83, which have rounded, ,outer edges .8! are radially arranged, similarly to plate 1.2,,being receivedfinradial. notches 86in the disc 16,6 .and secured by bolts 18.1.

The movable clamping arm,.indicate d,generally by 'the numeral 88,, constitutes one arm of ,abell crank, .arrangedfor oscillation ,on ,a center 89 theother arm .91 of the'bell crank carrying, near its outer end, a cam-follower roller '92 arranged to cooperate with .a cam 93,, the latter being .carried onlbearing block 56 and secured against rotationby .a .setscrew 190.

.As bestseenin Fig. .4, thebell crank center is "embodied in .a shaft 9.4, spanning the "feeding drum-and iournaledinbushingsleeves efisecured iinrd iscs '55. It will-be seen that .thearmta comprises a .unit extendingibe'tween discs .166 anditha't athebbell crank .arm All is duplicated ,onthe tw o :ends-of .the feeding drum, .each having ,a hub .91 .secured .by .a key .98 .to the end .ofshaft .94. Only .one of the team and :clamp systems .need his de- ,scribed.

Each arm .88 which is vin the form .of .a plate arranged parallel to .the axis of the shaft 54 is secured for oscillation with shaft .94 vby means of --a ,seriesrof three plates v.99 secured by bolts .4 0| :to plate .88., and .eachhaving ,an integral sleeve 11102 ireceived on;-shaft;9.4, endsecuredagainst rotation with respect thereto .by. means ,of ,a .key I03. It will be muted .also ,that bell :crank arm M is'zsecured to shaft 9.4 .by means of ,a tapered pin 100. Each plate .88 is provided with notches i HM-similar to enotches 11 to clear the cutting discs, and also has channels I06 similar to channels 18, although somewhat deeper to provide for ,a movable cushion, this beingnecessitated by the unyielding nature of the cam action. Thus, the outwardly extending sections of plate 88 are each provided with a boss I01 having a bore, slidably receiving a bolt ['08 on the outer end of which is a plate I09 to which is attached a rubber, cushioning strip 1| I l. A spring H2 surrounding bolt I08 holds the cushion normally in a position outwardly lofichannel I06 against thetouter, headed render the bolt as determined by the settingpi ,a holding Ynut M3 .on theholt. adjustable -.screw st.op J Mcarriedon'disc 15$ limits clockwise ,(EigLS) rotation ofgtheibell crank, and -.in this ,p'ositionarm 88' is in non-clamping position, shown in full glines'in Fig. .5, being urged to this position, when the follower roller s2 is not ,actur ated by cam 93, by a tension coil spring] 15 5e.- .cured to .a post i If! on outer plate .93 andfto a post .118 on the inside face ofdisc 16.6.; Assuming the machine to'ibe runningha workpiece 1 I is lacedon clamp 'l2'at .ailoading station indicated byLthe letter L. ,As the feedin .drumrotates, the workpiece rests under its own .We'ighton the outer edges M of spacer plates 186 .andjis ,thus

properly located for engagement withjthe gripping members in the channels 1| GB of ,movahle clamp 83. During this rotation, ,andibefore the workpiece reaches the :top of its cycle, follower roller 92 engages an abrupt rise I19 on themriphery ofcam 93 and the bell crank is'thus .rotated counterclockwisabringing the clamp cush ion Ill into firm, holding engagement with the leading edgeof workpiece "'H'. At this phase the bell crank has swung suiiiciently sothat follower roller 92 may clear theperiphery'l 21 of the cam having maximum radius. This periphery is of vsuflicient extent that the workpiece remains clamped during the cutting operation, which takes place generally in a region indicatedbythe letter ,0. Following the cutting operation the workpieceis carried to a'station indicated "by the letter 13., at the lower part of Fig. "5, at which follower roller 92 meets ,a decline I22 in the cam periphery, and spring JH6 urgesarmBB to non- .clamping position, whereupon the out pieces drop by. ravity onto a conveyor 12,0, and are carried to a disposal point,

.For convenienceinmounting the workpieceson the feed drum, a pick-up station is provided. Ihis, asshown in Eigs. Land .6, comprises ,aihorizontal bridge plate I23 located parallel to .andjn vfront .of the ieed drumand welded .toa pair of end standards I24 bolted to table '52. The bridge plate, relocated .in spaced relation above the ta l top,.has .a depending vertical reinforcing .lilate 126. Dwelling on plate I 23 and secured by screws 12.! .islaplate .-I 28 having embedded pins [-29 protruding ifrom its edge .inithe directioneoi the-feed drum, .the said ipinsbeing spaced in .a pattern to permit passage of the outer edgesof several clamp members of the .ieed .drum.

In --lo,ading, .the lower edge of .a workpiece is pl d ,pins 129 and permitted to Jail against the .feed .drum. Aitcr a set .of, movable clamps 88J1as passed the top edge of the .workpiece, the latterjfalls against the positicningbar 83. Followin this, a .set zo'f stationary clamps f2 clears plus 1129 and picks up the workpiece.

A series of plates I28 are provided corresnondf ingto the various sets of clamp members .men-' tionedahove.

ZBroper positioning of the workpiece on the pick-up station is easily effected by means of a stop plate ISU secured by a nut I31 on the end of an adjustable, cantilever rod I32 slidably mounted in a bushing I33 welded to left hand upright I24, the rod being secured in position by a thumb screw I34 threaded through bushing I33.

Operation The workpiece H, which may be of asbestos composition or other suitable material for brake linings are supplied in cylindrical segments of a length capable of being subdivided into a number of brake lining segments. These may be of the same or varying widths. Assuming a situation where a change in the width pattern is required, the cutter discs 23 must be rearranged. To this end, the handwheel 38 is rotated counterclockwise to move carriage lit to the right, thus moving bearing 28 off shaft end 253. After removal of lock nuts 25, the series of cutting discs and collars may be slid off shaft 16, and replaced in a manner to provide the proper spacing, and bearing 28 replaced on the shaft by rotation of the handwheel. It should be noted that clamp arms 88, it may be replaced for each different arrangement of the discs. Preferably, however, these changes will be so patterned that they may cooperate with several predetermined disc arrangements. This is the case shown in the drawings.

With both motors running, the cutting discs are rotating at relatively high speed, while the feed drum is rotating at a rate of about 1 to 3 R. P. M. After one of the movable clamp sets 88 has passed the loading station, the operator sets the bottom edge of a workpiece on the pins I29 of the pick-up station, and slides it to the left until the end of the piece makes contact with stop plate i-3il. The operator then releases the workpiece, which then dwells against the feed drum under its own weight. After the movable clamp has passed the top edge of the workpiece, the latter dwells upon locator bars 83 in proper position for engagement with movable clamp 53 and with the cutting discs. When the following stationary clamp 72. reaches the bottom edge of the workpiece, the latter is picked up so as to rotate with the feed drum. Shortly thereafter, the follower roller 52 on bell crank arm 9| of the movable clamp system contacts rise I IS on cam 93 and revolution of the outer end of movable clamp 88 is substantially stopped, so that the said clamp is brought into clamping relation to the leading edge of the workpiece. This is followed by contact of the said leading edge with the gangcutters and as the feed drum continues to rotate, the workpiece is severed into the several pieces of the desired width.

After passing the saw, the cut pieces remain in clamped relation until they assume a position at the bottom of the feed drum, at which station the follower 42 drops radially inward along declivity i22 of the cam, and movable clamp 88 moves away from the cut pieces under the influence of spring H6, whereupon the cut pieces drop onto conveyer I20 and are carried to a disposal point.

The provision of three sets of clamps permits of continuous operation, with loading, cutting and release occurring substantially simultaneously.

In order to handle the dust arising in the cutter operation, the cutters are covered with a cylindrical hood I36 (Fig. 2), with a hinged cover I31, and the dust is removed through a blower duct indicated generally by the numeral I38.

While a certain preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, the same is not to be deemed as limited thereby, since various changes in the size, shape, character and arrangement, for instance, of the various elements may be made without, however, departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A cutting machine for sub-dividing a cylindrically curved longitudinal blank into a plurality of blocks, comprising a rotary gang-saw having spaced cutting discs, a rotatable drum having a cylindrical supporting surface adapted to receive and support said blank with the curved surface of said blank substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation of said drum, a plurality of sets of jaws adapted to receive successive blanks and clamp them in place on said drum while said blanks are being cut transversely by said discs and to release said out blocks after said cutting operation, each set of jaws comprising a bar extending longitudinally of said drum and fixed thereto and having a radially extending surface providing a seat for one edge of said blank, a second bar extending parallel to said first bar and having a radially extending surface adapted to provide a seat for the other edge of said blank, means responsive to rotation of said drum to move said second bar toward said first bar to clamp said blank therebetween during the cutting operation and to release said blank after the cutting operation, said bars and the surface of said drum being grooved to provide clearance for said cutting discs whereby said blank may be completely severed into said plurality of blocks whiie being firmly clamped.

2. A cutting machine for sub-dividing a cylindrically curved longitudinal blank into a plurality of blocks, comprising a rotary gang-saw having spaced cutting discs, a rotatable drum having a cylindrical supporting surface adapted to receive and support said blank with the curved surface of said blank substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation of said drum, a plurality of sets of jaws adapted to receive successive blanks and clamp them in place on said drum while said blanks are being cut transversely by said discs and to release said out blocks after said cutting operation, each set of jaws comprising a bar extending longitudinally of said drum and fixed thereto and having a radially extending surface providing a seat for one edge of said blank, a second bar extending parallel to said first bar and having a radially extending resilient surface adapted to provide a seat for the other edge of said blank, cam means responsive to rotation of said drum to swing said second bar toward said fixed bar to clamp said blank therebetween during the cutting operation and to swing said sec and bar away from the fixed bar to release said blank after the cutting operation, said bars and the surface of said drum being grooved to provide clearance for said cutting discs whereby said blank may be completely severed into said plurality of blocks while being firmly clamped.

JOHN NOALL.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,384,756 Hambuechen July 19, 1921 1,926,974 Einstein Sept. 12, 1933 1,974,696 Swanson Sept. 25, 1934 ,554,83& Klett May 29, 1951 

